Pak Khlong Talat

Pak Khlong Talat (Thai: ปากคลองตลาด, "market at the mouth of the canal") is a market in Bangkok, Thailand that sells flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It is the primary flower market in Bangkok[1][2] and has been cited as a "place[] of symbolic values" to Bangkok residents.[3] It is on Chak Phet Road and adjacent side-streets, close to Memorial Bridge.[2] Though the market is open 24 hours, it is busiest before dawn, when boats and trucks arrive with flowers from nearby provinces.[4][5]

The market has a long history. During the reign of Rama I (1782–1809), a floating market took place on the site of the modern Pak Khlong Talat. By the reign of Rama V (1868–1910), it had changed to a fish market.[2] The fish market was eventually converted to today's produce market, which has existed for over 60 years.[1][2] The market's focus has shifted from produce to flowers as the Talat Thai market on the outskirts of Bangkok has become a more attractive site for produce wholesaling.[1]

The market accommodates both consumers and wholesalers and has a wide variety of customers. Many local florists visit the market in the early morning hours to stock their shops for the coming day.[6] The urban poor who make a living stringing and selling phuang malai (flower garlands) buy sacks of jasmine and marigold blossoms.[6] Though the market is documented in guidebooks,[7] it receives few foreign tourists.[6]